Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for a brief one-day visit. His trip coincides with the BRICS Summit being held in the Indian capital. This marks Xi's first visit to India in seven years. Approximately 15,000 security personnel have been deployed to oversee safety arrangements for the high-profile visit.
A new trend on Instagram is using ChatGPT to convert personal photos into retro 1980s Bollywood-style portraits. Users upload their images and apply detailed text prompts to generate vintage-inspired transformations. The AI recreates classic elements such as period hairstyles, traditional clothing, and old-school studio lighting. The results can mimic iconic looks from Bollywood heroines, vintage magazine covers, and retro wedding photography. The trend has gained popularity for making nostalgic Indian photography aesthetics widely accessible through simple AI tools.
A 26-year-old man in Delhi was discovered to have a uterus during a fertility evaluation. The man had been married for nearly two years, and the couple had been trying to start a family. Medical tests on his wife returned normal results, prompting doctors to investigate the husband instead. The unexpected anatomical finding came to light during this subsequent examination of the husband's reproductive health.
A former NASA engineer says his company has developed a propulsion device that generates thrust using only electric fields, eliminating the need to expel any mass. The technology represents a significant departure from conventional rocket propulsion systems. According to the claim, the device has demonstrated consistent improvements in force generation over multiple years of development. The company plans to conduct space-based demonstrations to showcase the technology's full capabilities. No independent verification of the claims has been reported yet.
An Australian artist lost her home in a devastating bushfire but chose to rebuild rather than abandon the site. Over several months, she collected salvaged timber and metal sheets to construct a new self-sufficient dwelling. The rebuilt cabin cost between AU$7,000 and AU$10,000, making it a remarkably low-budget housing solution. It runs entirely off-grid, relying on solar panels for power and rainwater tanks for water supply. Her project has drawn attention as a practical and sustainable housing model for younger Australians facing affordability challenges.
Google co-founder Larry Page acquired several adjacent properties in Palo Alto during the late 2000s to expand his residential compound to nearly two acres. His plans included demolishing two existing homes to make way for a large 6,000-square-foot residence. The new dwelling was designed with sustainability at its core, featuring solar panels and a rooftop garden. However, the project drew controversy from the local community over concerns about preserving neighborhood character.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam reached 2,000 World Test Championship runs as captain during the ongoing Test series against England. He achieved the milestone in 41 innings, making him the third-fastest captain to do so in WTC history. Azam joins an elite group alongside Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Dimuth Karunaratne. His knock of 76 runs against Jofra Archer was central to the achievement and also marked his first half-century of the current series.
Anthropic has revealed that a Yemen-based cell exploited its Claude Code AI tool to write missile guidance software, effectively replacing human engineers. The group simultaneously ran three weapons programmes, targeting a guided rocket, a 2,000km ballistic missile, and a hypersonic glide variant. While Claude's built-in safeguards blocked many of the requests, some were not intercepted. After a test rocket launch failed, the group returned to the AI within hours to continue development. Anthropic has since identified and banned all accounts linked to the operation.
Bharat Mandapam, a modern convention centre located in central Delhi, has been prepared to host the BRICS Summit. The venue is welcoming some of the world's most influential heads of state and government for the high-profile international gathering. Bharat Mandapam is regarded as one of India's most advanced and prestigious event spaces. The landmark facility has been illuminated and dressed up to mark the significance of the occasion.
A man allegedly murdered his wife and three daughters by smashing their heads with a brick in Jaipur. The crime came to light around 10 AM on Friday morning. Neighbours and relatives grew suspicious after noticing no activity at the residence and alerted authorities. All four victims were found dead at the scene. The case is under investigation by local police.
Professor Eknath Vasant Chitnis was a key figure in the early development of India's space research program. Working alongside Vikram Sarabhai, he helped lay the foundational framework for what would become ISRO. Chitnis was instrumental in selecting Thumba as the site for India's first rocket launches. He also identified APJ Abdul Kalam's potential early on and brought him into the organization. His contributions extended to expanding satellite television connectivity to remote and underserved communities across India.
Dozens of pornographic videos were found on devices recovered from former MP and rape convict Prajwal Revanna, who is currently in jail. Revanna allegedly arranged to have a mobile phone and other contraband smuggled into the prison, reportedly paying a substantial amount for it. Five people, including a jail employee, have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation. Authorities are continuing their investigation into how the items were coordinated and brought inside the facility.
An Apple-1 computer that Steve Jobs once attempted to have destroyed is now estimated to be worth $800,000. In 1978, Jobs wrote to engineer Fred Hatfield offering him $400 and an upgraded machine in exchange for his original unit. Hatfield turned down the offer and chose to keep his Apple-1, unknowingly preserving a rare artifact of early computing history. The machine is now set to go under the hammer at a Bonhams auction next month.
A European expatriate living in India observed that introductions in the country frequently go beyond names, with people often sharing details about their educational background and family lineage. The expat noted that this practice appears to serve as a way of establishing social standing. When shared online, the observation sparked a wide range of reactions from users. While some agreed with the expat's experience, others pointed out that cultural norms around introductions vary significantly across India. The exchange highlighted the broader challenges and surprises that come with adapting to life in a new country.
In the run-up to the summit, a reality check is worthwhile.
Oracle has announced plans to spend approximately $700 million on job cuts as the company faces financial pressure linked to its heavy investments in artificial intelligence. The restructuring signals a significant workforce reduction aimed at managing costs amid rising AI-related expenditures. Alongside the layoff announcement, Oracle disclosed a new share trading plan for Chairman Larry Ellison, who holds around 40 percent of the company's stock. The plan, adopted on June 22, allows Ellison to sell up to 50 million shares through October 24. The dual announcements reflect the financial balancing act Oracle is navigating as it pivots aggressively toward AI infrastructure.
